Blog Postshttp://www.botanicgardens.org/blog/201403
enSalvia Mundi! Sage advice for you!http://www.botanicgardens.org//blog/salvia-mundi-sage-advice-you
<p><img src="/sites/default/files/blog-photos/salvia_indica_dsc05065_-_copy.jpg" alt="Salvia indica" title="Salvia indica" width="360" height="263" /><em>Salvia indica</em></p>
<p>The first salvia to bloom at Denver Botanic Gardens every spring is actually from Western Asia and Turkey rather than India as the name would imply. It shows one extreme of the range of form the genus can display...now look below at a Western American gem:</p>Tue, 03 Mar 2015 15:00:44 -0700Panayoti Kelaidishttp://www.botanicgardens.org/blog/salvia-mundi-sage-advice-youBook Review: &quot;The Forgotten Garden&quot;http://www.botanicgardens.org//blog/book-review-forgotten-garden
<p><img src="/sites/default/files/blog-photos/forgotten_garden_0.jpg" alt="The Forgotten Garden Cover" width="265" height="400" style="margin: 1px 6px; float: left;" /><em>The Forgotten Garden</em> is an ambitious tale spanning five generations of women. Beginning in Australia, the story opens with a lost little girl who has no idea who she is or where she came from. The only clue to her origins is a charming book of fairy tales found amongst her belongings. Years later, Nell journeys to the opposite side of the globe in search of her identity.</p>Sun, 01 Mar 2015 17:03:10 -0700Rory O'Connor-Walston, Catalog Librarianhttp://www.botanicgardens.org/blog/book-review-forgotten-gardenTrees MATTER!http://www.botanicgardens.org//blog/trees-matter
<p><img src="/sites/default/files/blog-photos/juniperus_excelsa_-_copy_0.jpg" alt="Jun exc" title="Jun exc" width="242" height="360" /> Juniperus excelsa</p>
<p>Photo: taken mid-September, 2001 above treeline in the Pakistan Himalaya. Notice this rugged, treeline behemoth was cut for firewood. It is sadly emblematic of how we humans have taken an enormous toll on forests worldwide, not just in nature, but in our cities where tree longevity due to pollution, vandalism, disease and just plain complacence has left our urban forest canopy in tatters.</p>Thu, 26 Feb 2015 14:59:59 -0700Panayoti Kelaidishttp://www.botanicgardens.org/blog/trees-matterFruit Tree Growing Tipshttp://www.botanicgardens.org//blog/fruit-tree-growing-tips
<p>If your fruit tree doesn’t produce well or you’re considering planting a new fruit tree, the following are some tips to keep in mind.</p>
<p>The age to bearing of fruit trees after planting is 3 to 5 years depending on species. Because fruit trees are an investment in time, carefully consider planting location. Location will affect available light, temperature and perhaps your ability to provide water. </p>Wed, 11 Feb 2015 13:46:05 -0700Featured Instructorhttp://www.botanicgardens.org/blog/fruit-tree-growing-tipsLove is in the airhttp://www.botanicgardens.org//blog/love-air
<p>Whether you were engaged over the holidays or you are hoping for something special on Valentine’s Day, there is no doubt that this time of year, love is in the air. And now you need somewhere to get married!</p>Wed, 04 Feb 2015 15:35:04 -0700Special Eventshttp://www.botanicgardens.org/blog/love-airBook Review: &quot;Annihilation&quot;http://www.botanicgardens.org//blog/book-review-annihilation
<p>A biologist, an anthropologist, a psy<img src="/sites/default/files/annihilation.jpg" alt="Annihilation, byJeff Vandermeer" title="Annihilation, byJeff Vandermeer" width="234" height="350" style="float: left; margin: 5px;" />chologist, and a surveyor walk into a forest.…</p>Tue, 03 Feb 2015 12:18:43 -0700Rory O'Connor-Walston, Catalog Librarianhttp://www.botanicgardens.org/blog/book-review-annihilationFragrant Roseshttp://www.botanicgardens.org//blog/fragrant-roses-0
<p>While it’s quite wonderful to receive a dozen long-stemmed red roses on Valentine’s Day, what better time to daydream about and plan your very own lusciously fragrant rose garden? You can then create your garden of long-lasting, disease-resistant roses in the colors and fragrances (fruits, flowers, spices and many others) of your choice.<br /> </p>Wed, 28 Jan 2015 08:18:23 -0700Featured Instructorhttp://www.botanicgardens.org/blog/fragrant-roses-0The Spiral Aloe perplexhttp://www.botanicgardens.org//blog/spiral-aloe-perplex
<p><img src="/sites/default/files/blog-photos/dsc00291_0.jpg" alt="Aloe1" title="Aloe1" width="335" height="360" /> <em>Aloe polyphylla</em> at Semonkong Lodge</p>
<p>Few plants better epitomize the quandaries of plant conservation than this iconic aloe, endemic to the heights of south-central Lesotho, South Africa. Once relatively abundant (Alan Beverly estimated at least 10,000 a half century ago), this magnificent national flower of Lesotho has become extremely rare in nature...although increasingly abundant in gardens.</p>Tue, 27 Jan 2015 04:35:40 -0700Panayoti Kelaidishttp://www.botanicgardens.org/blog/spiral-aloe-perplexForcing Hyacinth Bulbs in Vaseshttp://www.botanicgardens.org//blog/forcing-hyacinth-bulbs-vases
<p><img src="/sites/default/files/hyacinth_1.jpg" alt="Forcing Hyacinth Bulbs in Vases" title="Forcing Hyacinth Bulbs in Vases" width="225" height="300" style="float: left; margin: 5px;" />Hyacinths are classic spring-blooming bulbs that have been popular for centuries, in large part because of their bright colors and fragrant flowers. The plant grows from large bulbs, typically planted in the garden in the fall.</p>Mon, 26 Jan 2015 11:42:47 -0700Ebi Kondohttp://www.botanicgardens.org/blog/forcing-hyacinth-bulbs-vasesGarden Myths and Secretshttp://www.botanicgardens.org//blog/garden-myths-and-secrets
<p>The use of passed down pearls of wisdom and urban garden myths to improve plants and landscapes is as common as homemade cold and flu recipes. Has someone in your garden circle suggested some fool-proof miracle cure, product or technique to fix what’s ailing your plant or make it grow better? </p>Wed, 21 Jan 2015 10:27:08 -0700Featured Instructorhttp://www.botanicgardens.org/blog/garden-myths-and-secretsProtea fun in South Africahttp://www.botanicgardens.org//blog/protea-fun-south-africa
<p><img src="/sites/default/files/blog-photos/dsc_0102_-_copy.jpg" alt="Protea 1" title="Protea 1" width="360" height="227" /> Dwarf Protea at Drakensberg Gardens Resort</p>Mon, 19 Jan 2015 13:01:33 -0700Panayoti Kelaidishttp://www.botanicgardens.org/blog/protea-fun-south-africaPlant safari in South Africahttp://www.botanicgardens.org//blog/plant-safari-south-africa
<p><img src="/sites/default/files/sdm_afternoon-showers-drakensburg-296x300.jpg" alt="Afternoon showers in Drakensburg, photo by Scott Dressel-Martin" title="Afternoon showers in Drakensburg, photo by Scott Dressel-Martin" width="296" height="300" style="float: left; margin: 5px;" />As a professional photographer you dream about the day when someone calls you and asks if your passport is up to date. The answer, of course, should always be YES! As the contract photographer for Denver Botanic Gardens for nearly fifteen years, I’ve been lucky enough to get that call twice.</p>Tue, 13 Jan 2015 15:06:01 -0700Scott Dressel-Martinhttp://www.botanicgardens.org/blog/plant-safari-south-africaBeekeeping Basicshttp://www.botanicgardens.org//blog/beekeeping-basics
<p>In winter, there isn't much a beekeeper can do to help the bees other than watch your hive entrances, keep them clear of snow, inspect the bottom board for activity in the hive and be sure the hives are protected from the wind! If you have a window in a top bar hive, you can sometimes catch a glimpse of the winter cluster (the huddle of bees in a ball). It's a good time to catch up on reading bee journals, repair and replace old equipment and render wax for candles, salves and balms. </p>Wed, 07 Jan 2015 12:24:18 -0700Featured Instructorhttp://www.botanicgardens.org/blog/beekeeping-basicsArt and Nature--which is which?http://www.botanicgardens.org//blog/art-and-nature-which-which
<p><img src="/sites/default/files/blog-photos/january_pix_021_-_copy.jpg" alt="Colorado sculpture" title="Colorado sculpture" width="360" height="230" /> <em>Colorado</em> by Dale Chihuly</p>Mon, 05 Jan 2015 22:57:56 -0700Panayoti Kelaidishttp://www.botanicgardens.org/blog/art-and-nature-which-whichPlaying with Flowershttp://www.botanicgardens.org//blog/playing-flowers
<p>In the depths of winter I love to amuse myself with flower crafts. Winter weather allows you the time indoors to pull out the craft box and let that inner artist dance around. A snowy weekend afternoon is perfect for this - after the prerequisite smoked salmon benedict brunch and nap under the covers. Revived, you can pull out easy, inexpensive ingredients and spend time off immersed in the colors of summer. Fun to do with the kids, also. I loved watching the concentration exerted by my macho nephews when we made floral candles for Christmas gifts one year. </p>Fri, 02 Jan 2015 13:18:20 -0700Featured Instructorhttp://www.botanicgardens.org/blog/playing-flowersFlavors of Moroccohttp://www.botanicgardens.org//blog/flavors-morocco
<p>Moroccan cuisine is steeped in a deep and diverse culinary history dating back to medieval times. The food is vibrant, warming and welcoming. Morocco is most well-known for significant use of spices, herbs and aromatics. Traditional and modern culinary styles were influenced by the Berbers of North Africa, Europe and the Middle East, giving us an exotic, intriguing and refined cuisine. Morocco was located in the area of the spice routes, lending to this extensive use of spices.</p>Wed, 10 Dec 2014 13:00:18 -0700Featured Instructorhttp://www.botanicgardens.org/blog/flavors-moroccoHealthy Cooking at Home: How to Stock Your Pantryhttp://www.botanicgardens.org//blog/healthy-cooking-home-how-stock-your-pantry
<p>Is it likely that you will be making a New Year’s resolution to start eating better and cooking at home more? If you find it challenging to come up with a constant array of new recipes, this class is perfect for you, whether cooking for yourself or your family. The best cooks don’t base their meals off a specific recipe and head straight to the grocery store; rather, they look at what ingredients they already have and create something delicious. Cooking fresh, healthy meals all week long isn’t difficult, but it does require a well-stocked pantry. </p>Wed, 03 Dec 2014 12:31:27 -0700Featured Instructorhttp://www.botanicgardens.org/blog/healthy-cooking-home-how-stock-your-pantryDrifts of gold, not drifts of snow!http://www.botanicgardens.org//blog/drifts-gold-not-drifts-snow
<p><img src="/sites/default/files/blog-photos/alan_tower_steptoe_butte_wa_dsc02141_0.jpg" alt="AlanTower" title="Alan Tower" width="244" height="360" /> Alan Tower</p>Tue, 02 Dec 2014 14:26:42 -0700Panayoti Kelaidishttp://www.botanicgardens.org/blog/drifts-gold-not-drifts-snowSerendipityhttp://www.botanicgardens.org//blog/serendipity
<p><img src="/sites/default/files/blog-photos/img_8707.jpg" alt="Red tailed hawk" title="Red tailed hawk" width="330" height="360" /> Juvenile red tailed hawk (Buteo jamaicensis)</p>Wed, 05 Nov 2014 05:00:23 -0700Panayoti Kelaidishttp://www.botanicgardens.org/blog/serendipity&quot;Until they think warm days will never cease&quot;http://www.botanicgardens.org//blog/until-they-think-warm-days-will-never-cease
<p><img src="/sites/default/files/blog-photos/salvia_greggii_dsc02451_-_copy.jpg" alt="Salvia wild thing" title="Salvia wild thing" width="360" height="270" /> <em>Salvia greggii</em> 'Wild Thing'</p>Thu, 30 Oct 2014 00:18:20 -0600Panayoti Kelaidishttp://www.botanicgardens.org/blog/until-they-think-warm-days-will-never-cease2014 IWGS New Waterlily Competition Winnershttp://www.botanicgardens.org//blog/2014-iwgs-new-waterlily-competition-winners
<p>Denver Botanic Gardens was once again the host of the International Waterlily and Water Gardening Society’s New Waterlily Competition this year. This contest draws entries of new waterlily hybrids from skilled hybridizers around the world. This year there were 21 entries in three categories - hardy waterlilies, intersubgeneric (hardy x tropical crosses) and tropical waterlilies. </p>Mon, 27 Oct 2014 11:21:30 -0600Tamara Kilbanehttp://www.botanicgardens.org/blog/2014-iwgs-new-waterlily-competition-winnersIn Memoriam: Joan Fransonhttp://www.botanicgardens.org//blog/memoriam-joan-franson
<p><img src="/sites/default/files/blog-photos/joan_franson_r1-03908-0011_-_copy.jpg" alt="Joan Franson" title="Joan Franson" width="360" height="358" /> Joan Franson and <em>Cistus laurifolius</em></p>Sun, 26 Oct 2014 21:09:02 -0600Panayoti Kelaidishttp://www.botanicgardens.org/blog/memoriam-joan-fransonArt in the Gardens - Art and Autumn Colorshttp://www.botanicgardens.org//blog/art-gardens-art-and-autumn-colors
<p>Denver Botanic Gardens is home to an amazing permanent collection of both indoor and outdoor artworks. Situated in the ever-changing galleries of nature, the stillness of outdoor sculpture offers a window into the shifting moods of the seasons.</p>
Wed, 22 Oct 2014 16:16:16 -0600Jen Tobiashttp://www.botanicgardens.org/blog/art-gardens-art-and-autumn-colorsMajesty in our Nation&#039;s Capitalhttp://www.botanicgardens.org//blog/majesty-our-nations-capital
<p><img src="/sites/default/files/blog-photos/dscn6192_-_copy.jpg" alt="Capitol columns" title="Capitol columns" width="360" height="187" /> Capitol columns</p>Fri, 17 Oct 2014 08:30:02 -0600Panayoti Kelaidishttp://www.botanicgardens.org/blog/majesty-our-nations-capitalArt in the Gardens - Art in the Rainhttp://www.botanicgardens.org//blog/art-gardens-art-rain
<p>Looking for something to do on a rainy day? Grab an umbrella, put on your wellies and experience the beauty of outdoor sculpture at Denver Botanic Gardens against the backdrop of a dramatic Colorado rainstorm.</p>
Thu, 25 Sep 2014 17:12:19 -0600Jen Tobiashttp://www.botanicgardens.org/blog/art-gardens-art-rainThe grass is greener...at Chatfield!http://www.botanicgardens.org//blog/grass-greenerat-chatfield
<p><img src="/sites/default/files/blog-photos/dscn5635.jpg" alt="Blonde Ambition" title="Blonde Ambition" width="360" height="254" /><em>Bouteloua gracilis</em> 'Blonde Ambition' on left</p>Wed, 24 Sep 2014 14:11:25 -0600Panayoti Kelaidishttp://www.botanicgardens.org/blog/grass-greenerat-chatfieldYork Street Trial Garden Evaluation Dayhttp://www.botanicgardens.org//blog/york-street-trial-garden-evaluation-day
<p>On August 5, 2014, Denver Botanic Gardens conducted its second trial evaluation day for the York Street Trial Garden. Located right outside our main entrance gate, visitors can get a look at various plant entries participating in the trials.</p>Tue, 23 Sep 2014 13:39:16 -0600Bridget Blomquisthttp://www.botanicgardens.org/blog/york-street-trial-garden-evaluation-dayThe Ancient Art of Wild Fermentation: Preserving Fall&#039;s Abundancehttp://www.botanicgardens.org//blog/ancient-art-wild-fermentation-preserving-falls-abundance
<p><img src="/sites/default/files/blog-photos/medium_fermentation_massaging_the_cabbage.jpg" alt="cabbage" width="120" height="120" style="margin: 5px;" class="float-left" />What’s old is new again! Transforming vegetables into wild-crafted, nutrient rich creations through fermentation is back in vogue. Personally, I was drawn to the art by a love of botany, an interest in ancient traditions and in all things food.</p>Fri, 12 Sep 2014 09:24:39 -0600Featured Instructorhttp://www.botanicgardens.org/blog/ancient-art-wild-fermentation-preserving-falls-abundanceThe Ice Plant Comethhttp://www.botanicgardens.org//blog/ice-plant-cometh
<p><img src="/sites/default/files/blog-photos/delosperma_floribundum.jpg" alt="Delo floribundum" title="Delo floribundum" width="360" height="252" /><em> Delosperma floribundum</em> 'Starburst'</p>Wed, 10 Sep 2014 05:36:09 -0600Panayoti Kelaidishttp://www.botanicgardens.org/blog/ice-plant-comethPractice Makes Perfect - Kickstarter campaign is launched!http://www.botanicgardens.org//blog/practice-makes-perfect-kickstarter-campaign-launched
<p><em><strong>Practice Makes Perfect: A Botanical Illustration Sketchbook</strong> </em>from Denver Botanic Gardens’ School of Botanical Art and Illustration not only represents skills and abilities, but also creativity, ideas and friendship. Illustration can take many forms; it has an ability to transform a page and can add magic to words to present what simple text might imply, but can not say.</p>Mon, 08 Sep 2014 17:23:04 -0600Mervi Hjelmroos-Koskihttp://www.botanicgardens.org/blog/practice-makes-perfect-kickstarter-campaign-launchedArt in the Gardens - The Story of a Pikes Peakerhttp://www.botanicgardens.org//blog/art-gardens-story-pikes-peaker
<p>An early autumn morning at Denver Botanic Gardens is the perfect time for leisurely exploration. And no matter where your wandering takes you, art at the Gardens is never far away.</p>
Mon, 08 Sep 2014 10:52:58 -0600Jen Tobiashttp://www.botanicgardens.org/blog/art-gardens-story-pikes-peakerHummingbird magnet...Red Birds in a Tree celebrates a birthday!http://www.botanicgardens.org//blog/hummingbird-magnetred-birds-tree-celebrates-birthday
<p><img src="/sites/default/files/blog-photos/scrophularia_macrantha2_-_copy_0.jpg" alt="redbird" title="redbird" width="360" height="354" /> Red birds in a tree</p>
<p>Native plants usually summon up images of wispy, finely textured grasses or suchlike--hardly a glamorous novelty like red birds in a tree (<em>Scrophularia macrantha</em>). This gorgeous native perennial is prospering in gardens across America and beyond, but is restricted in nature to just a few montane sky islands in southern New Mexico.</p>Thu, 04 Sep 2014 12:21:30 -0600Panayoti Kelaidishttp://www.botanicgardens.org/blog/hummingbird-magnetred-birds-tree-celebrates-birthdayVeteran Reintegration Program at Chatfieldhttp://www.botanicgardens.org//blog/veteran-reintegration-program-chatfield
<p>The growing season is in full swing at <a href="/our-gardens/chatfield">Denver Botanic Gardens at Chatfield</a>. Participants of the <a href="/programs/therapeutic-horticulture/chatfield-veteran-reintegration-program">Veteran Reintegration Program</a> helped plant and harvest vegetables on the five acre <a href="http://www.chatfieldcsa.org/" target="_blank">Community Supporting Agriculture (CSA) farm</a>. <img src="/sites/default/files/blog-teasers/medium_corn_0.jpg" width="120" height="120" style="float: right; margin: 5px;" /> </p>Wed, 27 Aug 2014 00:00:00 -0600Emilee Vanderneuthttp://www.botanicgardens.org/blog/veteran-reintegration-program-chatfieldArt in the Gardens - Sculpture at Dawnhttp://www.botanicgardens.org//blog/art-gardens-sculpture-dawn
<p>While there's never a bad time to visit the permanent sculptures at Denver Botanic Gardens, the warm light of a summer sunrise makes the lovely even lovelier.</p>
Mon, 25 Aug 2014 13:01:46 -0600Jen Tobiashttp://www.botanicgardens.org/blog/art-gardens-sculpture-dawnWhat in blazes?http://www.botanicgardens.org//blog/what-blazes
<p><img src="/sites/default/files/blog-photos/liatris_ligulistylis_dscn4429.jpg" alt="Liatris lig 1" title="Liatris lig 1" width="257" height="360" /><em> Liatris ligulistylis</em></p>
<p>I was born in Colorado, and have spent most of my life here--and lots of time poking around the plains and mountains--to the extent that I've seen and can identify most of the showier native wildflowers, and a good many of the less showy ones as well. A few have escaped me.</p>Fri, 15 Aug 2014 15:11:40 -0600Panayoti Kelaidishttp://www.botanicgardens.org/blog/what-blazesArt in the Gardens - More Permanent Collections!http://www.botanicgardens.org//blog/art-gardens-more-permanent-collections
<p>Denver Botanic Gardens' waterways provide a spectacular vantage point for sculpture viewing, offering a glimpse into the looking glass to see art amid the living landscape reflected in surprising vistas. </p>
Wed, 13 Aug 2014 13:15:35 -0600Jen Tobiashttp://www.botanicgardens.org/blog/art-gardens-more-permanent-collectionsTitanic Tithoniahttp://www.botanicgardens.org//blog/titanic-tithonia
<p><img src="/sites/default/files/blog-photos/tithonia_rotundifolia_dscn4353_-_copy.jpg" alt="Tithonia 1" title="Tithonia 1" width="360" height="298" /><a href="/Tithonia%20rotundifolia" target="_blank"><em>Tithonia rotundifolia</em></a></p>
<p>For years I have admired this giant daisy at Denver Botanic Gardens, where it is planted here or there in various annual groupings. This year, I decided it was time to enjoy it at home. I obtained a few small seedlings from a nursery in Arvada and planted them out rather late...wondering if I'd see a flower before frost!</p>Mon, 11 Aug 2014 11:42:22 -0600Panayoti Kelaidishttp://www.botanicgardens.org/blog/titanic-tithoniaThree Girls, Three Gardens, Thirty Dayshttp://www.botanicgardens.org//blog/three-girls-three-gardens-thirty-days
<p><img src="/sites/default/files/blog-photos/medium_growing_in_community_image.jpg" alt="eggplant" width="120" height="120" style="margin: 5px;" class="float-left" />One hot summer day I went to visit my former client’s organic garden and she said to me, “One day I want to eat just from my garden. I wonder if I could do it for a month?” I quickly responded that I loved the idea and wanted to try it. Our friend, who is an organic urban grower, wanted to take this challenge as well. The three of us planned to live off of our gardens from September 1-30.</p>Sun, 10 Aug 2014 16:32:04 -0600Featured Instructorhttp://www.botanicgardens.org/blog/three-girls-three-gardens-thirty-daysRevisiting the past: Centennial Gardenshttp://www.botanicgardens.org//blog/revisiting-past-centennial-gardens
<p><img src="/sites/default/files/blog-photos/dscn4014.jpg" alt="Cent 1" title="Cent 1" width="360" height="130" /> Centennial Gardens</p>Tue, 29 Jul 2014 14:27:22 -0600Panayoti Kelaidishttp://www.botanicgardens.org/blog/revisiting-past-centennial-gardensArt in the Gardens - Permanent Collection Editionhttp://www.botanicgardens.org//blog/art-gardens-permanent-collection-edition
<p>Denver Botanic Gardens not only hosts traveling art exhibitions, but is home to a permanent collection of beautiful paintings, drawings, prints, rare books, photographs, sculptures and more!</p>
Tue, 22 Jul 2014 11:17:46 -0600Jen Tobiashttp://www.botanicgardens.org/blog/art-gardens-permanent-collection-editionHydrangeas for Colorado?http://www.botanicgardens.org//blog/hydrangeas-colorado
<p><img src="/sites/default/files/blog-photos/dscn3741.jpg" alt="Hydrang 1" title="Hydrang 1" width="360" height="270" /><em>Hydrangea quercifolia</em></p>Sun, 20 Jul 2014 15:02:17 -0600Panayoti Kelaidishttp://www.botanicgardens.org/blog/hydrangeas-coloradoMidsummer Minion: the hardiest Pelargoniumhttp://www.botanicgardens.org//blog/midsummer-minion-hardiest-pelargonium
<p><img src="/sites/default/files/blog-photos/pelargonium_endlicherianum_dsc09540.jpg" alt="Pelargonium endlicherianum" title="Pelargonium endlicherianum" width="360" height="291" /> The hardy "Geranium"</p>Mon, 14 Jul 2014 19:51:27 -0600Panayoti Kelaidishttp://www.botanicgardens.org/blog/midsummer-minion-hardiest-pelargoniumPulling for Colorado this Saturday – Help us battle noxious weedshttp://www.botanicgardens.org//blog/pulling-colorado-saturday-%25E2%2580%2593-help-us-battle-noxious-weeds
<p class="MsoNormal"><img src="/sites/default/files/blog-photos/medium_dscn0766.jpg" alt="Denver Botanic Gardens at Chatfield" title="Denver Botanic Gardens at Chatfield" width="120" height="120" style="float: left; margin: 5px;" />The health and diversity of native plant populations impact our food, water and wellbeing. Healthy ecosystems provide the fundamental basis for all life on earth; this includes forming soil and cycling nutrients. Plants are the critical base of food chains in most ecosystems and native plants most efficiently support other native plant and animal species.</p>Mon, 07 Jul 2014 14:26:31 -0600Rebecca Hufft Kaohttp://www.botanicgardens.org/blog/pulling-colorado-saturday-%E2%80%93-help-us-battle-noxious-weedsToast to Winecups! (Callirhoe involucrata)http://www.botanicgardens.org//blog/toast-winecups-callirhoe-involucrata
<p><img src="/sites/default/files/blog-photos/dscn3503.jpg" alt="Winecups 2" title="Winecups 2" width="360" height="266" /> Winecups in Watersmart Garden</p>Sun, 06 Jul 2014 11:09:35 -0600Panayoti Kelaidishttp://www.botanicgardens.org/blog/toast-winecups-callirhoe-involucrataAnnus Mirabilis: a toast from a claret cup!http://www.botanicgardens.org//blog/annus-mirabilis-toast-claret-cup
<p><img src="/sites/default/files/blog-photos/dscn2440_-_copy.jpg" alt="Echinocereus gonacanthus 1" title="Echinocereus gonacanthus 1" width="360" height="290" /> Claret cup cactus</p>Mon, 16 Jun 2014 22:28:10 -0600Panayoti Kelaidishttp://www.botanicgardens.org/blog/annus-mirabilis-toast-claret-cupMinding Your Vegetable Gardenhttp://www.botanicgardens.org//blog/minding-your-vegetable-garden
<p><img src="/sites/default/files/blog-photos/vegetable_gardens_hidden_gem_tour_image.jpg" alt="vegetable gardening" title="vegetable gardening" width="90" height="90" style="margin: 5px;" class="float-left" />The beginning of each spring allows vegetable gardeners the opportunity to plan and plant a brand new garden. The most time-consuming part of putting in the vegetable garden is over by early June. You purchased vegetable transplants at the garden center or grew your own starts near a sunny window. Bed preparation is completed and the plants and seeds are officially in the ground.</p>Fri, 06 Jun 2014 13:31:00 -0600Featured Instructorhttp://www.botanicgardens.org/blog/minding-your-vegetable-gardenDown Below: High Altitude Garden Tourhttp://www.botanicgardens.org//blog/down-below-high-altitude-garden-tour
<p>A good day on the mountain is a day you don’t have to go to “down below”. “Down below” in Alaska refers to the lower 48. “Down below” in Colorado means anywhere off the mountain – like the town where the grocery store is. After we’ve saved up errands and we are completely out of toilet paper, someone negotiates being the one to go. This is when the one who gets to stay home starts adding things to the list. This can be dangerous.</p>Fri, 30 May 2014 14:14:25 -0600Featured Instructorhttp://www.botanicgardens.org/blog/down-below-high-altitude-garden-tourPurple Mountain Majestyhttp://www.botanicgardens.org//blog/purple-mountain-majesty
<p><img src="/sites/default/files/blog-photos/dscn1301.jpg" alt="Civic center" title="Civic center" width="360" height="270" /> Purple Mountain sun daisy at City and County Building</p>Wed, 21 May 2014 13:48:00 -0600Panayoti Kelaidishttp://www.botanicgardens.org/blog/purple-mountain-majestyDodged the bullet!http://www.botanicgardens.org//blog/dodged-bullet
<p><img src="/sites/default/files/blog-photos/1dscn1076_-_copy.jpg" alt="Allium karataviense var. henrikii" title="Allium karataviense var. henrikii" width="360" height="305" /> <em>Allium karataviense</em> var. <em>henrikii</em></p>Tue, 13 May 2014 08:37:25 -0600Panayoti Kelaidishttp://www.botanicgardens.org/blog/dodged-bulletSpring Plant Sale Busy and Gardens Still Beautifulhttp://www.botanicgardens.org//blog/spring-plant-sale-busy-and-gardens-still-beautiful
<p>Just when you see the Gardens is busy, busy, busy with shoppers and sellers, it takes a matter of a few steps to disappear away from the crowds. At <a title="Spring Plant Sale" href="/events/special-events/spring-plant-sale">Spring Plant Sale</a>, I certainly drooled my share over the water-smart plants and flirted with other blooms in the diversity of sections. But I wound my way back towards the front by stepping off the wide, busy pathways and meandering through the <a title="Woodland Mosaic" href="/our-gardens/york-street/individual-gardens/woodland-mosaic">Woodland Mosaic</a>.</p>Fri, 09 May 2014 12:30:33 -0600Matt Colehttp://www.botanicgardens.org/blog/spring-plant-sale-busy-and-gardens-still-beautiful